Please enjoy reading our Term 2, Week 6 Newsletter, with recognition of Reconciliation Week and the achievements and activities of the last fortnight.

Key Dates

Leadership Team

Andrée Rice, Principal

I was privileged to attend professional days for EREA leaders last week centred around the Charter for Catholic Schools in the Edmund Rice Tradition. The days were held at Mary MacKillop Place in North Sydney where St Mary of the Cross MacKillop spent her last days and is buried. What I came away with was a strong sense of how fortunate St James College is to be part of the incredible network of Edmund Rice schools around Australia and the world.

The Charter is a document that is the contemporary educational expression of the Charism of Blessed Edmund Rice in Australia and it calls all EREA schools to be communities who offer a Liberating Education, Gospel Spirituality, Inclusive Community and Justice and Solidarity opportunities and educational programs.

One of the many strengths of EREA is that schools are enabled to find their own expression of what the Charter looks like. There is freedom and faithfulness in being part of EREA. Our community therefore, can proudly embrace all that is Jimmies whilst being authentic to the vision of Edmund Rice. We do so this week in a special way as we mark National Reconciliation Week and our Culture Night at ERPAC on Friday night. I am so excited at the thought of experiencing Culture Night and there’s a palpable energy around our campus this week as everyone prepares and practises!

I commend to you the newly developed Touchstones App which you can download for free and find prayers and reflections relating to the Charter. Look at the Archives section to see what’s on offer.

I am delighted to welcome four new members to the School Advisory Council and in so doing, would like to thank Dr Caroline Thompson for her great and loyal service to the SAC. Dr Thompson commenced as part of our School Council in 2016 and has been Chair since 2017. I would also like to thank Mrs Agnes Lunani and Ms Helen Donovan for their generous service to the Council. We warmly welcome Mrs Christine Clarke as the new Chair and members Professor Terri Bourke, Mrs Sonya Gray and Mr Michael Hiller. The SAC exists to support the work of the Principal and Leadership Team in being authentic to the Charter and delivering the best possible educational experience we can for all students.

Kristina Johnson, Deputy Principal

Celebrating Reconciliation Week and Upcoming Events

This week has been an exciting and meaningful time for our school community as we have recognized, acknowledged, and celebrated Reconciliation Week. It has been a period of reflection and connection, as students and staff alike participated in various activities aimed at fostering understanding and unity. The week's events have highlighted the importance of reconciliation and the ongoing journey we all share in building a harmonious and inclusive society. Bridging Now to Next #NRW2025.

As we look forward to the future, we are eagerly preparing for our annual cultural night. This event is always a proud, exciting, and fun evening, where we embrace and celebrate the diverse cultures that make up our school community. Students and staff are working tirelessly to ensure that this year's cultural night is once again, ana amazing evening full of love and celebration. It promises to be an evening filled with vibrant performances, and a rich display of cultural heritage that will as always, leave a lasting impression on everyone.

In other exciting news, our Year 7 students had their annual camp at Coolum this week. Blessed with amazing weather and a beautiful location, the students engaged in various activities that challenged them and encouraged personal growth. The camp provided a wonderful opportunity for students to form new friendships and strengthen existing ones, while also enjoying the natural beauty of Coolum.

We would like to remind everyone that next Tuesday, 3rd June, is College Photo Day. Students are required to wear their full school formal uniform, and photos will commence with Carey Homerooms at 8:00 am. Please ensure that all students are punctual and prepared for this important day.

Additionally, don't forget to get your tickets to our Fund-Raising Dinner on the 6th June, featuring special guest – NRL Legend - Ben Hunt. This event promises to be an enjoyable evening with great food, entertainment, and the chance to support a worthy cause. Your participation and support are greatly appreciated.

Next week, our Year 9 students will continue their journey with the Rite Journey Program. This initiative is designed to foster connections, promote positive role models, and celebrate each student's unique qualities. Through this program, students are learning to connect with their strengths, build resilience, and support one another in their personal growth.

As we move forward, let us continue to celebrate our achievements, embrace our diversity, and support each other in our shared journey. These events and initiatives are a testament to the strength and unity of our school community, and we look forward to many more exciting and meaningful moments together.

Around the College

St James College Recognised as exclusive Construction Pathways School Partner program as a Building and Construction Gateways school for 2025, 2026 and 2027

St James College has been invited to join the prestigious Construction Pathways School Partner program as a Building and Construction Gateways school, for strong commitment to supporting students exploring careers in the construction industry.

As a Construction Pathways Partner School, St James College will gain exclusive access to construction experience learning activities and events, specialised student and teacher resources, and enhanced opportunities to connect students with future employers.

At assembly on Wednesday 28th May, the College was officially awarded its partnership plaque, and Principal Andrée Rice was presented with a commemorative construction hard hat.

The Construction Pathways initiative, led by Construction Skills Queensland (CSQ), is designed to inspire and equip young people with the knowledge and experiences necessary to consider careers in the booming construction sector. Through hands-on activities, in-class resources, and site visits, students gain a firsthand understanding of industry opportunities.

Year 9–10 Chinese Excursion

Ariel Chen

A Fun Day at Buddha Birthday Festival!
Our Year 9 and 10 Chinese classes enjoyed an enriching day at the Buddha Birthday Festival at Chung Tian Temple, Queensland. Students participated in a traditional tea ceremony, martial arts, and lion dance sessions, learning teamwork and cultural significance. Highlights included an interactive lion dance performance, trying Chinese street food, and creating ink paintings. They also connected with students from other schools who are learning Chinese. The festival offered hands-on activities and cultural immersion, making language learning fun and meaningful. This memorable experience brought Chinese culture to life, blending education and celebration.

Arts Development and Cultural Inclusivity

Tiaho Jordan

Jimmies Junior Podcast

We invite you to catch up with a very special edition of Jimmies Junior Podcast. Make 3 minutes to hear our year 5’s Mobina and Nat explore leadership including their thoughts on Pope Leo XIV, and the job he has ahead. The pair were impressively professional in their approach to the recording session. Then later, I was lucky to get a lunchtime visit from the dynamic duo, who wrote and performed a dramatic scene for me, just for fun. Their confidence and creativity are exciting and reflect great work happening in performing arts classes with Mr Harrop, and work with Ms Sue our arts therapist. Please give yourself the gift of listening to this week’s Jimmies Podcast.

20250519 Jnr podcast The Pope

Year 7 Camp

Tim Spina

The Year 7 students have had a great time building friendships and challenging themselves this week at Luther Heights Youth Camp, Coolum Beach.

Year 12 Certificate II in Outdoor Recreation Assessment Camp

Darin Coombs

Year 12 Certificate II in Outdoor Recreation students participated in a camp at Jimmies on the Dam and Lake Wyaralong as part of their practical assessments. Activities included setting up camp, kayaking at Maroon Dam, and a 20km hike at Lake Wyaralong. These tasks fostered teamwork, leadership, and resilience while meeting qualification requirements. Students managed routines like meal preparation and gear handling, with reflective debriefs enhancing their learning experience. Their efforts showcased independence, initiative, and collaboration, making the camp a valuable step in their personal and outdoor recreation skill development.

Year 11 Certificate II in Outdoor Recreation Assessment Camp

Darin Coombs

Our Year 11 students completed their Certificate II assessment camp, developing outdoor skills through activities like hiking, canoeing, and safety exercises. Highlights included exploring Mt French, paddling over 8km across Maroon Dam, and a challenging 17km hike to Cronan Creek Falls with 12 creek crossings, some at night. Students demonstrated resilience, teamwork, and practical knowledge, cooking meals and reflecting on their experiences around campfires. The camp provided a valuable opportunity for real-world learning, fostering confidence and camaraderie. Congratulations to all participants for making this camp a memorable success!

Year 10 Ceramic Art

Berenice Anzellotti

The Year 10 art students have been impressing everyone with their remarkable ceramic creations. Using hand-building techniques such as coiling and slab construction, they have crafted unique and expressive ceramic pots, each reflecting their creativity and growing skill. The pieces have recently undergone bisque firing, a crucial first stage that prepares it for finishing. Now, the students eagerly await the next exciting step—glazing or raku firing. These processes will add vibrant colours, textures, and final character to their work. We can’t wait to see their clay pieces transform into stunning, finished artworks.

Year 10 Student Ella Fullerton Shines at Brookfield Show

Aaron Williams

Congratulations to Year 10 student Ella Fullerton, who recently entered her beautifully crafted outdoor table into the student woodworking competition at the Brookfield Show. Created as part of her Year 10 Design Technology (Manufacturing) class, Ella’s piece showcased exceptional timber construction and intricate tiling concepts. Her hard work, skill, and dedication were rewarded with a well-deserved First Place. Well done, Ella – a fantastic achievement and a wonderful representation of our school's creative talent!

Year 9 Healthcare Excursion

Antonia Lu

A small group of 9 students recently visited Brisbane Private Hospital for an engaging and educational tour highlighting careers in healthcare.

The excursion began with an overview of the patient journey, giving students insight into the hospital experience from admission to discharge. They toured key departments including the neurosurgical ward, food services, and housekeeping, learning about the essential roles each plays in patient care.

Students also reviewed hospital hygiene procedures and observed a demonstration of surgical instrument trays, gaining a better understanding of their importance in surgery.

The visit offered a valuable glimpse into the wide range of healthcare careers and the teamwork required to support patient wellbeing. The school thanks Brisbane Private Hospital and Health Gateway for this insightful opportunity.

Year 11 Engineering Students Visit Exclusive Auto Centre

Tony Ninasivinche

Our Year 11 Certificate II in Engineering B students recently visited Exclusive Auto Centre in Newstead for an inspiring industry experience. Business owner Nick personally welcomed the group and invited us into the workshop—demonstrating a strong and valued industry partnership. Grant, a senior team member with over 30 years of industry experience, spoke with students about career pathways and led a guided tour of the high-end facility. Students loved learning about the training opportunities available in the automotive industry and were inspired by the message that in this trade, one is always learning and growing.

Year 12 Students Selected for QUT Future You Summit 2025

Tony Ninasivinche

We are thrilled to announce that Year 12 students Basira Hazara and Mitra Hussaini have been selected to participate in the QUT Future You Summit 2025. Out of 540 applicants from across Queensland and Northern NSW, these two outstanding year 12 students have secured their places in this immersive, week-long program held from June 30 to July 4 at QUT's Brisbane campuses. Basira will engage in the Health Pioneers stream, exploring disciplines such as biomedical sciences and medical lab science. Meanwhile, Mitra has been chosen for the Impactful Engineers stream, diving into areas like software and mechanical engineering. This opportunity not only provides them with a taste of university life but also allows them to connect with industry experts, participate in hands-on workshops, and gain insights into their future careers.

Rite Journey Mini Excursion

Yacob Kial

Last week, our students took part in their Rite Journey excursion—a powerful introduction to the challenge that awaits them next term. The day involved a 3km hike through gentle bushland, with students traversing a number of hills that encouraged them to stay focused and work together. Throughout the hike, students showed great determination and a strong sense of camaraderie, consistently supporting one another as they made their way along the trail. Whether offering words of encouragement or walking alongside a classmate, their teamwork and positive spirit helped create an uplifting experience for all. The excursion set the tone for what’s to come, providing students with a taste of the self-reliance, perseverance, and collaboration that will be required in the final challenge next term. During that experience, students will take another step in their Rite Journey by preparing their own food and setting up their own shelter for an overnight stay—an opportunity to apply the skills and mindset they’re developing through the program.

We’re proud of the way our students approached the first stage of this journey and look forward to seeing how they rise to the challenge ahead with confidence, responsibility, and a growing sense of independence.

Team Up

Yacob Kial

Our first Team Up session with Sergeant Jarett from PCYC was a hit! Students engaged in teamwork and communication activities, fostering trust and connection. This 8-week program helps build problem-solving and life skills. We’re eager to see their growth over the coming weeks. A big thanks to Sergeant Jarett!

Kokoda Training Update: Night Hike at Enoggera Reservoir

Sarah Mouritz

Last Saturday evening, our Kokoda Challenge team completed an important training session—a night hike around Enoggera Reservoir. This session was specifically designed to prepare students for hiking in low-light conditions, which they will encounter during the actual Kokoda Challenge event.Night hikes test a different set of skills compared to daytime treks. Students practiced using headlamps, navigating uneven terrain in the dark, and maintaining strong communication as a team. These conditions simulate what they will face during the real Kokoda challenge and help build confidence, focus, and resilience.It was fantastic to see our students embrace the challenge with energy and enthusiasm. Their commitment to training after hours highlights the values that underpin the Kokoda Challenge—courage, endurance, mateship, and sacrifice. These qualities are not only essential for the event but also vital for personal growth and teamwork.

Reminder: There will be no Saturday hike this week due to the St James College Cultural Night.

Paint 'n' Sip Fundraiser: A Creative Night for Kokoda

Last Friday evening, the St James College community gathered for our second Paint 'n' Sip fundraiser in support of the St James Kokoda Team—and what a night it was! Participants tapped into their creativity by painting vibrant Frida Kahlo portraits, guided in a relaxed and supportive atmosphere. While painting, guests enjoyed a glass of wine and a delicious tapas box.The event wasn’t just fun it also raised valuable funds to support our Kokoda Team as they train for the upcoming challenge. A big thank you to everyone who attended and helped make the evening a success. Special thanks to our wonderful organisers for their time, energy, and effort in creating such a memorable night!

Sport

Metro Finals Interschool Sport

Our Year 7/8 girls' basketball team competed in the Metro Finals last week, after earning their spot by winning the South District Championships. The team played four exciting games, winning three and narrowly missing out on a spot in the grand final. The girls demonstrated great skill, teamwork, and effort throughout the competition and should be congratulated for their fantastic performance!

School Sport Representatives

Congratulations to our school sport representatives!

QLD:
Deng Joseph
Jayden Newell
Gak Nhial
Marcus Donaldson
Majok Acuil
Jaycee Sturgeon

Met East:
Amaia Taylor
Tyler Orcher
Mikaylah Williams
Sinelei Tupu

South District:
Hayden Moore
Zachary Nalder
Oliver Hutchsion
William Carter
Molly Carter
Eleanor Lucas
Ari Mueller

QC Cup Netball 19th and 20th May

Our Junior Girls team finished third place, narrowly missing second with two close losses by just one point each. Our Senior Boys team had an undefeated run, showcasing incredible skill and determination, and an exciting and tense final match saw the senior boys edge out their opponents by just one point, securing their victory.

Bachar Houli Cup 21st May

Our Year 5/6 AFL team participated in the Bachar Houli AFL Cup winning 5 out of 6 matches played. This was a great achievement. Especially given many of the students were new to AFL! Raheem Elshafie was voted MVP of the day for his outstanding performance. Well done to all players for their teamwork and sportsmanship!

School Futsal League

• Opens Boys Won play-off game to secure Central conference premiership
• U16 Boys fought hard the whole day with limited numbers
• U16 Girls were extremely competitive especially with a much younger team in comparison to their opponents

Football Queensland Girls Q-League

Our Junior & Senior Girls Football teams represented the College at the Q-League Gala Day this week. All students played brilliantly throughout the day, with some outstanding individual and team performances. This showed in the team results with competitive scores across all the games including a convincing victory over Woodridge SHS.

Metropolitan East Cross Country Carnival

St James College had 7 students represent South District at the Met East Cross Country Carnival this week. All Students ran extremely well and represented the College with pride. Congratulations to Hayden Moore, Zachary Nalder, Oliver Hutchsion, William Carter, Molly Carter, Eleanor Lucas and Ari Mueller.

Rugby League

Ana Fotu

Opens Rugby Excellence Girl’s had a scrimmage against Stretton State High School last week and the difference with the team from 2024 to now has improved greatly.
Last Thursday our Open Girls Team Captain Layla Satui attended the National School Girls Launch at the High Performance Titans Centre in Parkwood which was led by Titans NRLW Coach Karen Murphy and Captain Georgia Hale. Our Open girls play in round 1 next Tuesday against Ipswich SHS at Valleys Diehards, 1.30pm, Grange.
Excellence morning sessions have been very popular with all 4 classes and has been a great tool to bring our kids in early to school and building culture within our Rugby Excellence campaign.

Upcoming Events: (check calendar)

Big 6 Basketball Competition (every Saturday until 14th June)
National School Girls Rugby League Match 3rd June
The Devere Cup Rugby League 4th June
Gee Cup Rugby League 4th June
Queensland School Futsal League Opens Boys Champions Finals 11th June
Queensland School Futsal League Opens Girls Shield Finals 10th June
Football Queensland School Met East Regional Championships 23rd June

Fees

Genevieve O’Sullivan

Please be advised that Term 2 fees are now OVERDUE – however, for those families on fees concessions and/or regular payment plans, please just
continue your regular payments as arranged.

If you did not receive an email from us containing your fees statement, please check your Junk or Spam email folder, otherwise all statements are accessible
via logging in to Parent Lounge.

If you are experiencing financial hardship and would like to apply for a fees concession, pleasecontact us for a confidential discussion and application.2025 Tuition Fees information can be found on our website: www.stjamescollege.qld.edu.au

Should you have any queries or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact us at finance@stjamescollege.qld.edu.au or 3230 8600.

Notices